You get errors or errors in Microsoft Outlook and suspect that the issue could also be attributable to corruption in your private listing file, which incorporates all of your e-mail and different content material. To assist find the reason for the issue, Microsoft provides the built-in Inbox Restore instrument, also referred to as ScanPST.

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The ScanPST instrument can scan a Private Storage Desk, PST, or Offline Storage Desk, OST, file to diagnose and restore errors within the file. These file codecs are utilized in Outlook to retailer knowledge domestically for private backup and offline entry, respectively. If the instrument finds any corruption, it provides to restore the errors. This is the way it works.

Earlier than trying to revive a file, the instrument routinely creates a backup. Nonetheless, you might need to have your individual backup as an added security measure. To seek out the placement of the PST or OST file, open Outlook and click on the File menu. Click on the Account Settings button after which choose the Account Settings command.

Within the Account Settings window, click on the Information Recordsdata tab. Study the trail for the file you need to scan and open it in File Explorer. Shut Outlook. Then merely create a backup copy of the file. If you happen to encounter an error in regards to the file being closed once you attempt to again it up, ensure that Outlook and any functions that use Outlook or combine with Outlook are closed. If mandatory, open Job Supervisor to see if there are any applications that should be shut down.

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In File Explorer, browse to the folder containing scanpst.exe to launch the instrument. The situation varies barely relying in your taste of Outlook and whether or not it’s the 32-bit or 64-bit model. For the 64-bit model, begin by searching to C:Program FilesMicrosoft Workplace. For the 32-bit model, browse to C:Program Recordsdata (x86)Microsoft Workplace. From there, drill right down to the next areas:

Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019 and 2016 – ..rootOffice16.

Outlook 2013 – ..Office15

Outlook 2010 – ..Office14

Outlook 2007 – ..Office12

If you cannot find the file by a particular path in File Explorer, merely seek for scanpst.exe. Double click on on the file. The window lists the trail for the PST or OST file. If it factors to the unsuitable file, click on the Browse button and choose the right file.

With the right PST or OST file listed, click on the Begin button. The instrument goes by means of eight phases. Assuming the file is corrupt, the instrument will cease in some unspecified time in the future and inform you that it has discovered errors within the file. Clicking the Particulars button could or could not can help you present extra data. Both method, click on on the Restore button.

The instrument will then show a notification telling you when the restore is full. Click on OK. Run the instrument once more to see in case your PST or OST file now passes the take a look at. If extra errors are discovered, click on the Restore button once more.

In some unspecified time in the future, the instrument could point out that it has discovered solely minor inconsistencies within the file and that it’s optionally available to restore them. As an alternative of restoring it once more, you may need to verify this system’s log file to see the scan outcomes.

To do that, go to the folder that incorporates your PST or OST file. Double-click the log file that begins with the identical title as your mailbox. The log file incorporates plain textual content, so you may learn it in Notepad or an identical textual content editor. Then open Outlook and attempt to replicate the conduct that brought about the issues within the first place.

If Outlook is working correctly, you are good to go. If not, you might need to attempt one other restore or contemplate different causes for the errors plaguing Outlook.

How can I inform if my PST file is corrupted?

Frequent indicators of corrupt PST recordsdata embrace:

• Error messages, corresponding to “the file (filename).pst can’t be opened.”
• Outlook doesn’t open or crashes when accessing the PST file.
• Emails, contacts or calendar entries are lacking or can’t be accessed.
• Delays when opening or navigating inside folders saved within the PST file.

Emails present unusual characters or incomplete knowledge.

SEE: Learn how to Scan and Restore Corrupt System Recordsdata in Home windows 11

How can I forestall future PST file corruption?

PST file corruption might be prevented with the next finest practices:

• Hold PST recordsdata as small as potential: Archive outdated emails, delete pointless objects and cut up giant PST recordsdata into smaller ones.
• Shut Outlook appropriately: Click on File > Exit, and do not shut down your laptop abruptly when it is operating.
• Set up the newest Outlook updates and antivirus software program: Preserving software program up-to-date ensures bug fixes, whereas antivirus software program prevents malware that may corrupt PST recordsdata.
• Improve defective or unreliable {hardware}: This consists of laborious drives or USB drives for storing PST recordsdata.
• Allow auto-archive: AutoArchive reduces the dimensions of your energetic PST file by transferring older objects to an archive.
• Don’t use PST recordsdata for processing giant quantities of knowledge: For instance, frequent import/export and enormous attachments.

How can I get better PST recordsdata with out ScanPST?

You do not essentially want to make use of ScanPST to get better corrupted recordsdata. One different method is to create a brand new PST file after which import the info.

1. Go to File > Account Settings > Information Recordsdata > Add, then choose “Outlook Information File (.pst)” and save the brand new file.
2. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export and choose “Import from one other program or file”. Then choose ‘Outlook Information File (.pst)’.
3. Flick through your corrupted PST and choose “Don’t import duplicates,” then full the wizard to maneuver any recoverable knowledge to the brand new PST file.

You can even restore from a latest backup of the broken PST file if in case you have one.

Generally corruption is restricted to sure add-ons or settings, slightly than the PST file itself. On this case, you may entry your non-corrupted file in Outlook’s Protected Mode, the place such settings are disabled. Press Home windows + R, sort outlook.exe /protected, and press Enter to launch it, and should you can entry your knowledge, contemplate disabling problematic add-ons.

Fiona Jackson up to date this text in January 2025.